James Boyd “Jim” Vandergriff, Jr., 78, passed from this life on July 10, 2025, in Durant, Oklahoma. Leaving behind a legacy of adventure, passion, and dedication. He was born on June 18, 1947, in Paris, Texas, to James Boyd Vandergriff, Sr. and Marguerite Louise (Bonner) Vandergriff.
Jim attended and graduated from Durant High School in 1965. After completing high school, he went on to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State College where he earned his bachelors degree in wildlife conservation in 1972. Jim retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers for 35 years where he was a GS 11 Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist. In his time working for the Army Corps of Engineers he earned the US Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. For his role during the Hurricane Katrina and Rita efforts. With a heart full of enthusiasm, Jim pursued his loves of quail hunting, bowling, and exploring the great outdoors, always inspiring those around him to embrace life’s adventures.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James “Boyd” Vandergriff Sr. and Marguerite Louise (Bonner) Vandergriff; and sister, Mary “Pam” Brooks.
He is survived by his daughter, Connie Vandergriff of Sherman, Texas; son, Simon Vandergriff and spouse Julie of McKinney, Texas; son, William “Boyd” Vandergriff and spouse Bree of Denison, Texas; daughter, Kayla Beth Wells of Boswell, Okla.; niece, Paula Scott of Durant, Okla.; nephew, Patrick Scott Brooks and spouse Pam of Durant, Okla.; nephew, James Brooks and spouse Tammy of Durant, Okla.; niece, Jessica Wolf and spouse Jason of Durant, Okla.; grandchildren: Brance, Lanie, Truman, Sadie Jo and Bryce , and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Services are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Services.